Blackhawk identification

So short story, I have a Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum. It has 3 screws and is single action. I noticed that although I thought it was a modern pistol it appears not to have the 'safety' that many single actions have now. Once you pull the trigger and the hammer starts down, it continues to strike the primer regardless if the trigger is still being pulled (modern SA's won't strike the primer if the trigger isn't being pulled).

Someone thought this might be a sign of an older model, perhaps worth more money?

I don't believe it is a defect (although just a guess) because it is mechanically sound (although a bit rough on the outside).

Any insight would be appreciated, I've attached pictures if they help. Thanks.

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eric65

February 18, 2012, 10:11 PM

It's supposed to do that, it was made before all the safties and is worth more than current production blackhawks

Ryanxia

February 18, 2012, 10:19 PM

Interesting.. Anyone else know when they started implementing the safties?

rcmodel

February 18, 2012, 10:28 PM

Ruger knows!
http://www.ruger.com/pdf/safetyOfferAd.pdf

http://www.ruger.com/pdf/emptyChamber.pdf

http://www.ruger.com/pdf/handleWithCare.pdf

The old model you have is known as a three-screw, and operates just like a Colt single-action Army.

The "New Model" Rugers use two pins instead of three screws, and incorporate a transfer bar safety system, in addition to a different loading gate cylinder release, rather then hammer position when loading.

rc

Ryanxia

February 18, 2012, 10:36 PM

Thanks a lot rcmodel, information gold right there :)

I did find it in my firearms catalog too which makes me even happier :)

98Redline

February 19, 2012, 11:53 PM

Appears to be a 6 1/2" Old Model Blackhawk (rode hard and put up wet).

The 6 1/2" models tend to bring a few more dollars however in the condition that yours is in, I don't know.

The grips don't seem to be original. I believe the originals had a fully black eagle as opposed to the ones your gun has (raised silver eagle with SR in in the middle)

Ryanxia

February 20, 2012, 11:18 AM

Hmm thanks 98Redline. I'll look into that about the grips.

awgrizzly

February 21, 2012, 05:01 AM

You can send it to Ruger and they will upgrade it to be safe to carry with six cartridges free, and they'll send the old parts back with the gun. In the process they will likely give the gun a tuneup... they won't release an unsafe gun. The three screw guns have more value, but the condition it seems to be in pretty much negates that value.

Ryanxia

February 21, 2012, 09:35 AM

Thanks grizz, I noticed too that you can send it in for a free upgrade, but I think I'm gonna pass, I like it just fine the way it was built :)

And while it does look like junk from the pictures, it shoots and operates great, the bore/crown/action/timing are as good as many new revolvers I've purchased :)

awgrizzly

February 21, 2012, 11:53 PM

Not junk, just enjoyed. I was thinking you could get the gun tuned up and then replace the old parts when you got it back. =o) But if it's a good shooter now that's all that counts. They are a good gun.

rule303

February 22, 2012, 05:39 PM

They came out with the "new model" Blackhawk in 1973, with the transfer bar safety. The original 3 screws have a much better trigger pull, and conventional half cock loading. If you absolutely need to carry it with 6 in the chamber, have Ruger convert it, otherwise enjoy it the way it was originally designed.

Ryanxia

February 23, 2012, 09:49 AM

That's exactly my thought rule303 :)

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